Apparatus with membrane panel having close-proximity communication antenna

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods are disclosed of a membrane panel comprising a close-proximity communication antenna embedded within the membrane panel. In an example, a welding-type system includes a membrane panel with a user interface and a close-proximity communication antenna embedded within the membrane panel.

BACKGROUND

Wireless technologies allow for communication between devices withoutthe need for physical connections. Some wireless technologies, however,are easily hacked despite implementation of various security measures.One method to ensure secure communication is to limit the distance overwhich transmissions can travel, requiring each device to be close by.Example close-proximity communications technologies that provide directcommunication channels may require a distance between devices of tens ofcentimeters or fewer. The requirement for such a short distance tocommunicate provides a benefit to security that wide area wirelesscommunications lack.

Membrane panels can be configured with components, such as electricalswitches. These switches can be displayed alongside graphics and/orvisual displays (e.g., lighting, video, etc.). Further, membrane panelscan be constructed to conceal the switches from environmentalcontaminants (e.g., water, dust, etc.).

SUMMARY

Apparatuses are disclosed of a membrane panel having close-proximitycommunication antenna, substantially as illustrated by and described inconnection with at least one of the figures, as set forth morecompletely in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example membrane panel having a close-proximitycommunication antenna in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 2 is another example membrane panel having a close-proximitycommunication antenna in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an example layered membrane panel having a close-proximitycommunication antenna in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example welding-type power supply that includes amembrane panel having a close-proximity communication antenna inaccordance with aspects of this disclosure.

The figures are not necessarily to scale. Where appropriate, similar oridentical reference numbers are used to refer to similar or identicalcomponents.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed are examples of membrane panels with embedded close-proximitycommunications antennae embedded therein. The close-proximitycommunications antenna (e.g., a nearfield communications (NFC) antenna)can be connected to a controller or other circuitry to conveyinformation and commands from devices configured to communicate viaclose-proximity. An example membrane panel can also include a userinterface.

In some examples, a membrane panel can include multiple layers and avariety of controls. For example, a membrane panel can include onemembrane layer with an embedded close-proximity antenna, and anothermembrane switch layer having an electrical switch for controlling acircuit, such as on a user interface of an electronic device. Incontrast to mechanical switches typically made of metal and plastic, amembrane switch can be one or more conductive elements printed on asubstrate (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET), indium-tin-oxide(ITO), etc.).

In an example, a first layer of a multi-layer membrane panel includesgraphics that provide guidance for a user interacting with an interface.A second layer contains an embedded close-proximity communicationsantenna, and/or a printed circuit, such a containing one or more printedswitches. A third layer contains additional functionality, such asadditional switches, or provide insulation for the printed circuitelements of the membrane panel. Further, a fourth layer providesstructural support for the membrane panel, For instance, the membranepanel may be constructed of a flexible material (e.g., Kapton,polyimide, polyamide or other polymers). In applications where themembrane panel is mounted on a device, for example, the structural layercan provide support for the other layers.

Membrane panels can also be employed in conjunction with otherinterfaces (e.g., graphical user interfaces (GUI), touch screens, etc.)and display technologies, such as lighted effects for various switchesor other graphics on the membrane panel.

Depending on the particular demands of the application, layers of themembrane panel may be made of a variety of materials, and may be joinedby a variety of attachments (e.g., mechanical fasteners, adhesives,etc.). Membrane panels advantageously provide an interface that includesinformation for a user (e.g., GUIs, one or more controls, etc.) as wellas being capable of preventing contaminants into the device, whileworking in conjunction with the various displays and controls. Forexample, a membrane panel can be partially transparent, allowing adisplay screen or other visual elements to be visible alongside themembrane switch functions, as well as protected by the layer(s) of themembrane panel. The layers may be configured differently than what isexpressly described in the examples. For example, printed circuits,printed switches, insulation, structural support, and/or antennas may beconfigured for a desired application.

In disclosed examples, a membrane panel incorporates a close-proximitycommunications antenna. Close-proximity communications encompasses avariety of short-range wireless communication technologies, typicallyrequiring a very small distance (e.g., 10 cm) between transmitter andreceiver. For example, near-field communication (NFC) is a communicationprotocol that enables data transfer between two electronic devices.Often, one device is portable and capable of communicating instructions,such as a smartphone, a tablet, an NFC or radio frequency (RF) tag, orother remote control device. In the example of a smartphone, toestablish communication, the smartphone may need to be within 4 cm (1.6in) of the second device.

Advantageously, NFC devices can communicate without actual contact,avoiding the need for physical ports that could be exposed toenvironmental damage, NFC devices communicate via electromagneticinduction, such as between loop antennas within a common near fieldassociated with each NFC enabled device for data transfer. Theprinciples upon which NFC devices operate allow for a variety ofapplications, including small packages and low power.

In some examples, NFC devices can operate in passive and/or activemodes. In a passive mode, one NFC device provides a signal to a targetdevice, which can answer the transmission by modulating in response tothe first device's magnetic field. In a passive mode, power to operatethe target device comes from the electromagnetic field generated fromthe first device, thus the target device does not require an independentpower source. In an active mode, both the signal generating device andthe target device communicate by generating their own fields from theirown power sources.

Close-proximity communications can also include radio-frequency (RF)transmitters and receivers. For example, radio-frequency identification(RFID) systems employ low-power antenna, such as tags or labels, can beattached to objects to share information, such as identification.Bidirectional radio transmitter and receivers (e.g., interrogators andreaders) can be used to send signals to a tag and read a response. Suchdevices can also be configured for active and/or passive operation.

In a welding-type environment, dust, water, fluctuations in temperature,and other potential sources of damage to equipment are ever-present. Theuse of a membrane panel serves to protect underlying electronics fromcontaminants. The further incorporation of a close-proximitycommunications antenna allows for transfer of information wirelessly.For example, a first device could be a portable computing device (e.g.,a smartphone) configured with an interface for inputting commands and/orcustomizing controls. The second device, such as a welding-type powersupply, can be configured to communicate with the first device viaclose-proximity communications to receive commands and/or shareinformation. Advantageously, the membrane panel can provide acommunications channel between devices, as well as protecting internalelectronics from environmental damage. Further, the short distancerequired for devices to communicate can prevent accidental and/orunwanted information transmissions.

Therefore, the membrane panel having a user interface and an embeddedclose-proximity antenna can provide for increased functionality andsecured communications in, for example, a welding-type system.

As used herein, the term “welding-type power” refers to power suitablefor welding, plasma cutting, induction heating, CAC-A and/or hot wirewelding/preheating (including laser welding and laser cladding), As usedherein, the term “welding-type power supply” refers to any devicecapable of, when power is applied thereto, supplying welding, plasmacutting, induction heating, CAC-A and/or hot wire welding/preheating(including laser welding and laser cladding) power, including but notlimited to inverters, converters, resonant power supplies,quasi-resonant power supplies, and the like, as well as controlcircuitry and other ancillary circuitry associated therewith.

As used herein, a “circuit” (e.g., controller, control circuit, etc.)includes any analog and/or digital components, power and/or controlelements, such as a microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP),software, and the like, discrete and/or integrated components, orportions and/or combinations thereof.

In an example, a membrane panel includes a user interface and anembedded close-proximity communication antenna. In some examples, themembrane panel can be connected to a controller via an electricalconnector to transmit information to and receive information from theclose-proximity communication antenna and the membrane panel.

In disclosed examples, the close-proximity communication antenna can beconnected to a controller via a first electrical connector, and themembrane panel can be connected to the controller via a secondelectrical connector.

In an example, the membrane panel includes a first layer with theclose-proximity communication antenna, and a second layer with amembrane switch circuit. For instance, both the close-proximitycommunication antenna and the membrane panel are connected to acontroller via an electrical connector.

In another example, the first layer of the membrane panel is connectedto a controller via a first electrical connector, and the second layerof the membrane panel is connected to the controller via a secondelectrical connector, with the membrane switch circuit including signaltraces for corresponding electrical switches. In some examples, theelectrical switches and the plurality of signal traces are printed onthe membrane switch circuit.

In some examples, the membrane panel comprises a flexible substrate. Indisclosed examples, a graphic layer overlays a surface of the membranepanel and includes a graphic indicating the location of a correspondingelectrical switch on the membrane switch panel. The membrane panel canbe mounted to a support layer on a surface of the membrane panelopposite the graphic layer.

In some examples, the close-proximity communication antenna isconfigured to transmit information to and receive information from acommunications device via near field communications (NFC). In examples,the communications device is one of a smartphone, a tablet computer, ora NFC tag.

In disclosed examples, a welding-type system includes a membrane panelwith a user interface and a close-proximity communication antennaembedded within the membrane panel. In some examples, the systemincludes a controller electrically connected to the membrane panel by anelectrical connector. In examples, the membrane panel includes a firstlayer with the close-proximity communication antenna and a second layerwith a membrane switch circuit.

In some examples, the system includes a first electrical connectorconfigured to connect the first layer of the membrane panel to acontroller, and a second electrical connector configured to connect thesecond layer of the membrane panel to the controller.

In examples, the close-proximity communications antenna can be coupledto an ac close-proximity communications module or a passiveclose-proximity communications module. In some examples, a controllercan control a parameter of the welding-type system based on commandsreceived from the close-proximity communications antenna.

FIG. 1 is an example membrane panel 100 having an embeddedclose-proximity communication antenna 102 configured to transmit and/orreceive data from another device similarly configured. In an example,the membrane panel 100 of FIG. 1 can be configured to connect to anassociated device, such as a welding-type power supply (see, e.g., FIG.4). In such an example, the associated device can transmit and/orreceive information from the close-proximity communication antenna 102via one or more communication channels.

In another example, shown in FIG. 2, membrane panel 100 includesclose-proximity communication antenna 102, as well as a switch panel106. The switch panel 106 provides additional functionality, such as adisplay 108 and one or more electrical switches 110. The electricalswitches 110 can include various types of switch controls, for example,capacitive-type switches, pressure switches, touch-enabled switches,mechanical switches, as well as other types of switches and/or controls.The switch panel 106 can include one or more electrical signal traces112 to provide communication between various components (e.g., theswitches 110, display 108, etc.). In some examples, the switches 110 andthe electrical signal traces 112 are printed on a membrane switchcircuit of membrane panel 100. The close-proximity communicationantenna. 102 and the switch panel 106 can be configured to connect toone or more controllers 104, such as a processor or microcontroller, aprogrammable logic circuit, a system-on-chip, a programmable logicdevice, and/or any other type of logic circuit, via one or moreconnectors 114. In an example, the controller 104 is embedded in themembrane panel 100, in some examples, the controller 104 can be locatedseparately from the membrane panel 100, such as a welding-type powersupply (see, e.g., FIG. 4). One or more of the close-proximitycommunication antenna 102 and the switch panel 106 can be connected tothe controller 104 via an electrical connection (e.g., a ribbon cable, awireless channel, etc.).

In an example, each of the close-proximity communication antenna 102 andthe switch panel 106 have a dedicated connection 114 with a controller104, or can have a dedicated connection 114 to separate controllers acontroller for each device). In other examples, a single connection 114provides a communication path for both the close-proximity communicationantenna 102 and the switch panel 106 to the controller 104. In someexamples, connection 114 can additionally or alternatively be configuredin accordance with a wireless protocol. Therefore, the controller 104can communicate with a device (see, e.g., welding-type power supply ofFIG. 4) to transmit and/or receive data via the close-proximitycommunication antenna 102 and the one or more switches 110.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example membrane panel with multiple layers, 200A,200B, 200C and 200D. First panel layer 200A provides one or moregraphics to indicate a location and/or a function(s) associated with themembrane panel. For example, an antenna graphic 202A can correspond to alocation of an underlying close-proximity antenna, such as antenna 202.Additionally, switch panel graphic 206A can include a display graphic208A, such as a transparent portion to reveal a light and/or videodisplay from, for example, display 208. Switch graphic 210A cansimilarly correspond to a location and/or identify a function of theswitches 210. The first panel layer 200A can further be configured as asolid sheet of a protective material (e.g., polymers, PET, ITO, etc.) toprotect the underlying panel layers 200B, 200C and 200D.

The second and third panel layers 200B and 200C are configured asmembrane switch circuit layers to include one or more devices. In anexample, the second panel layer 200B has an embedded close-proximityantenna 202. In some examples, an area 2069 can he cut away or voided toallow for unobstructed access and/or contact between switch panel 206located on the third panel layer 200C and the corresponding switch panelgraphic 206A of first panel layer 200A. The third panel layer 200C cansimilarly cut out an area 202C corresponding to the antenna 202. In thisexample, access through third panel layer 2000 allows unobstructedaccess through fourth panel layer 200D, configured as a structuralsupport (e.g., a substrate, frame, etc.).

The fourth switch panel layer 2001) includes cut out areas 202D and206D, corresponding to the antenna 202 and switch panel 206, to provideaccess to electronics (e.g., the controller 104 of FIG. 2) that may belocated on the interior of a device upon which the membrane panel ismounted (e.g., device 220 of FIG. 4). Thus, connectors (e.g., connectors114 of FIG. 2) can link the antenna 202 and switch panel 206 to acontroller (e.g., controller 104 of FIG. 2) to transmit and/or receivedata. Additionally or alternatively, supplemental functions can beincluded on one or more of the panel layers 200A, 2009, 200C and 200D,or the devices on separate layers (e.g., the antenna 202 and the switchpanel 206) can be combined into a single layer. Further, the panel layer200D can be configured as a flexible or a rigid substrate, and the panellayers 200A-C can be mounted thereon.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example welding-type power supply 220 inaccordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. As shown, thewelding-type power supply 220 (e.g., an induction heating power source)includes a membrane panel 224 with an embedded close-proximity antenna222. Additionally, a switch panel 226 includes a display 228 and one ormore switches 230. A portable computing device 232 is configured totransmit and/or receive wireless signals 234 to communicate with thewelding-type power supply 220. In an example, the portable computingdevice 232 is brought with a small distance (e.g., 10 cm) of theclose-proximity antenna 222 in order to initiate secure communications.

In some examples, both the portable computing device 232 and theclose-proximity antenna 222 can be configured for active communications.In other examples, one can be configured for passive communication whilethe other is active. In each example, once communication has beenestablished, information can be shared between devices. For instance, auser can provide a set of instructions on the portable computing device232 which can command the welding-type power supply 220 to operate inaccordance with those instructions (e.g., to change a welding parameter,a power output level, a welding type or mode, etc.).

The present methods and systems may be realized in hardware, software,and/or a combination of hardware and software. Example implementationsinclude an application specific integrated circuit and/or a programmablecontrol circuit.

As utilized herein the terms “circuits” and “circuitry” refer tophysical electronic components (i.e. hardware) and any software and/orfirmware (“code”) which may configure the hardware, be executed by thehardware, and or otherwise be associated with the hardware. As usedherein, for example, a particular processor and memory may comprise afirst “circuit” when executing a first one or more lines of code and maycomprise a second “circuit” when executing a second one or more lines ofcode. As utilized herein, “and/or” means any one or more of the items inthe list joined by “and/or”. As an example, “x and/or y” means anyelement of the three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. In other words, “xand/or y” means “one or both of x and y”. As another example, “x, y,and/or z” means any element of the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x,y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}. In other words, “x, y and/or z” means“one or more of x, y and z”. As utilized herein, the term “exemplary”means serving as a non-limiting example, instance, or illustration. Asutilized herein, the terms “e.g.,” and “for example” set off lists ofone or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations. Asutilized herein, circuitry is “operable” to perform a function wheneverthe circuitry comprises the necessary hardware and code (if any isnecessary) to perform the function, regardless of whether performance ofthe function is disabled or not enabled (e.g., by a user-configurablesetting, factory trim, etc.).

While the present method and/or system has been described with referenceto certain implementations, it will be understood by those skilled inthe art that various changes may be made and equivalents may besubstituted without departing from the scope of the present methodand/or system. For example, block and/or components of disclosedexamples may be combined, divided, re-arranged, and/or otherwisemodified. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation or material to the teachings of the presentdisclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, the presentmethod and/or system are not limited to the particular implementationsdisclosed. Instead, the present method and/or system will include allimplementations falling within the scope of the appended claims, bothliterally and under the doctrine of equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A membrane panel comprising a user interface anda close-proximity communication antenna embedded within the membranepanel.
 2. The interface of claim 1, wherein the membrane panel isconfigured to be connected to a controller via an electrical connectorto transmit information to and receive information from theclose-proximity communication antenna and the membrane panel.
 3. Theinterface of claim 1, wherein the close-proximity communication antennais configured to be connected to a controller via a first electricalconnector, and the membrane panel is configured to be connected to thecontroller via a second electrical connector.
 4. The interface of claim1, wherein the membrane panel comprises a first layer that includes theclose-proximity communication antenna and a second layer that includes amembrane switch circuit.
 5. The interface of claim 4, wherein both theclose-proximity communication antenna and the membrane panel areconnected to a controller via an electrical connector.
 6. The interfaceof claim 4, wherein the first layer of the membrane panel is connectedto a controller via a first electrical connector, and the second layerof the membrane panel is connected to the controller via a secondelectrical connector.
 7. The interface of claim 4, wherein the membraneswitch circuit comprises a plurality of signal traces for correspondingelectrical switches.
 8. The interface of claim 7, wherein the electricalswitches and the plurality of signal traces are printed on the membraneswitch circuit.
 9. The interface of claim 1, wherein the membrane panelcomprises a flexible substrate.
 10. The interface of claim 1, furthercomprising a graphic layer to overlay a surface of the membrane panel,the graphic layer including at least one graphic indicating the locationof a corresponding electrical switch or the antenna on the membranepanel.
 11. The interface of claim 10, farther comprising a supportlayer, wherein the membrane panel is mounted to the support layer onanother surface of the membrane panel opposite the graphic layer. 12.The interface of claim 1, wherein the close-proximity communicationantenna is configured to transmit information to and receive informationfrom a communications device via near field communications (NFC). 13.The interface of claim 12, wherein the communications device is one of asmartphone, a tablet computer, or a NFC tag.
 14. The interface of claim, the close-proximity communications antenna configured to be coupled toan active close-proximity communications module.
 15. The interface ofclaim 1, the close-proximity communications antenna configured to becoupled to a passive close-proximity communications module.
 16. Awelding-type system comprising a membrane panel that includes a userinterface and a close-proximity communication antenna embedded withinthe membrane panel.
 17. The welding-type system of claim 16, furthercomprising a controller electrically connected to the membrane panel byan electrical connector.
 18. The welding-type system of claim 16, themembrane panel comprising a first layer that includes theclose-proximity communication antenna and a second layer that includes amembrane switch circuit.
 19. The welding-type system of claim 18,further comprising: a first electrical connector configured to connectthe first layer of the membrane panel to a controller; and a secondelectrical connector configured to connect the second layer of themembrane panel to the controller.
 20. The welding-type system of claim16, further comprising a controller configured to control a parameter ofthe welding-type system based on commands received from theclose-proximity communications antenna.